Dodgers expected to put Will Smith on the injured list with neck issue

PITTSBURGH — The Dodgers are likely to put catcher Will Smith on the injured list Thursday, as the stiffness in his neck continues to linger, manager Dave Roberts said.

“There’s been some improvement,” Roberts said. “We’ll have to make that decision at some point in time [Wednesday] after the game.”

The Dodgers’ game against the Pirates on Wednesday was the fourth Smith had missed since being scratched from the lineup Saturday with a stiff neck. Teams can backdate IL moves a maximum of three days.

Dalton Rushing is scheduled to catch all three games in Pittsburgh, according to Roberts, but the Dodgers will likely add a backup to the roster on Thursday. In the meantime, Smith could catch in an emergency situation.

The Dodgers have already cleared a spot on the 40-man roster, releasing utility man Tyler Fitzgerald on Wednesday. He had a .998 OPS in 24 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Unless the Dodgers bring in additional catching depth from the outside, their options in Triple-A are Eliezer Alfonzo and Chuckie Robinson. Roberts downplayed the challenge of integrating a catcher midseason.

“We had Chuckie last year, and we had Eliezer all spring,” Roberts said. “So both those guys are confident. They’re kind of a little older, so they’ve been around, and we’re very familiar with both those guys, so it should be pretty seamless.”